Carolina Panthers coach Ron Rivera was a rookie linebacker in the fall of 1984 trying to learn the nuances of the Chicago Bears’ 46 defense.
From the back of the Bears’ defensive alignment, Rivera heard the gruff voice of the short, gray-haired man known as Buddy.
“Hey, Chico,” yelled Bears defensive coordinator Buddy Ryan, calling Rivera by the nickname he’d given him. “Come here.”
Ryan saw in Rivera a smart, University of California-educated player whom he could mold into a sort of coach on the field. And for two years after that first time Ryan called Rivera to join him on the practice field, the two would stand 30 yards behind the defense, with Ryan explaining the various concepts and Rivera soaking it in.